POLICE OFFICER SALARY & BENEFITS

With a top salary of up to £48k, and a starting police officer salary of over £29k plus a generous shift allowance, there is a vast earning potential when it comes to being a police constable or detective. And, there’s a whole host of benefits for police officers focusing on your holistic wellbeing from generous pension contribution, to family-friendly policies and fantastic discounts.

What salary will I earn as a police officer or detective?

The starting salary for a new 999 response officer, detective or neighbourhood officer is £29,907. Over 7 years, subject to a simple performance review, you can earn up to £48,231.

As you are promoted through the ranks, you can expect to receive an increase in your police officer salary, as indicated below.

Sergeants £51,408 – £53,943
Inspectors £61,197 – £66,207
Chief Inspectors £67,509 – £70,200
Superintendent £80,784 – £95,025
Chief Superintendent £99,612 – £111,117

What benefits will I receive as a police officer or detective?

Annual leave

You’ll have a starting allowance of 22 days annual leave, rising to 30 days depending on your length of service. You will also be entitled to 8-11 public holidays each year. Where these fall on a weekend, officers will be entitled to the original public holiday and substitute bank holiday.

Police Federation

You can become a member of the Northumbria Police Federation. Members will receive support and advice from fellow officers who are elected workplace representatives on issues such as: conduct, equality, performance, health, and welfare. You’ll also benefit from discounts on a range of products.

Generous pension contribution

You’ll automatically become a member of the New Police Pension Scheme 2015. This is a CARE (Career Average Revalued Earnings) pension scheme which offers a guaranteed pension with optional lump sum, based on the earnings you receive during your career.

Flexible working

We understand the demands of modern lifestyles and aim to accommodate your other commitments around our 24/7 service commitment. Offers can submit flexible working requests, which if approved will commence following your probation.

Support associations

You can join a variety of internal support associations helping us create an inclusive, welcoming culture from our Ethnic Minority Association to our LGBTQ+ Association, Men’s Support Network, Women’s Support Network and more.

Religious and cultural needs

We have several faith rooms across our stations that offer opportunities for quiet prayer and reflection. Our staff can choose to re-allocate Christian bank holidays to alternative religious dates and adjust breaks and shifts to accommodate religious needs.

Protected learning days

We’ve introduced dedicated learning days to ensure officers have adequate time to conduct organisational and mandated activities, as well as your own Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Development and training

We commit to supporting our officers, and developing you in your role. You will have access to resources such as mentoring programmes, leadership training, soft skill development and more.

Family-friendly benefits

We understand the importance of our loved ones, which is why we are pleased to offer elevated family-friendly policies to give you the flexibility to take time out when it matters the most. These policies aim to help to balance and benefit both work and family life, and enable you to fulfil your potential at Northumbria Police. We recognise the differences amongst our householders and lifestyles, and we are always seeking to implement new policies and benefits to support our workforce.

Maternity leave

Benefit from up to 6 months paid maternity leave and up to 15 months leave. You’ll be entitled to paid time off for ante-natal appointments, and 10 paid keep in touch (KIT) days, so that you can reconnect with your team before you return.

Adoption leave

You will be entitled to up to 52 weeks adoption leave, regardless of your length of service and hours worked each week. You’re entitled to adoption leave whatever the age of your child, and you may be entitled to paid adoption leave based on your length of service.

Paternity leave

For fathers and designated co-parents of children, whether through birth or adoption, we offer up to two weeks paid paternity leave. You’ll also be entitled to unpaid time off to accompany an expectant mother to ante-natal appointments.

Tax-free childcare

Eligibility parents can get up to £2,000 per child per year. For every £8 you pay, the Government will pay £2 towards your childcare costs for approved childcare such as: minders, nurseries and wraparound care.

Time off for dependants

You will be entitled to the provision of a reasonable amount of paid or unpaid time off during working hours to cope with the care of dependents in the event of unforeseen or sudden emergencies.

Compassionate and bereavement leave

You may be entitled to paid compassionate, bereavement and terminal illness leave provisions intended to support colleagues during difficult circumstances.

Parental leave

Parental leave offers eligible officers greater flexibility in sharing the care of their child during the first year following birth or adoption.

Health and wellbeing benefits

Employee assistance

Our EAP gives you and your immediate family 24/7 access to a team of trained wellbeing and counselling advisers. The support they offer is confidential, independent and unbiased, and covers both personal and professional issues.

Occupational health

This enables you to perform at your best by managing your health. Provided by Optima, these services can support if you’ve suffered an illness or injury or are returning to work following a period of sickness.

Police treatment centre

By making a monthly donation, the PTC can support you during difficult times providing treatment and support, including intensive, specific physiotherapy and rehabilitation, for injured and ill Officers and Retired Officers.

Sport and social

From boxing to basketball, there are plenty of teams and clubs for you to join and be a part of the thriving sport scene at Northumbria Police. As part of your membership, you’ll also get access to NP Gyms located at a number of our stations.

Cycle to work scheme

Promoting healthier journeys to work and reducing environmental pollution. You’ll have the opportunity to hire a bicycle from us to cycle to work – the cost of which can be deducted from your gross pay each month. T&Cs apply.

Eye care provision

Need an eye test? A new pair of glasses? As an officer, you may be eligible to receive vouchers entitling you to a free eye test and glasses at a reduced cost from our chosen provider when you need a new check-up or change of prescription.

Free flu jab

We have invested in a flu voucher scheme which entitles all eligible officers to benefit from a free flu jab – protecting you and your family during the cold weather.

Discounts and rewards

Blue light card

Providing members with 1000s of amazing discounts online and in-store from large, national retailers and local businesses. Sign up for just £4.99 for two years.

Public sector discounts

Huge public sector discounts for police officers with over 11,000 offers from major high street brands and new discounts everyday tailored to you. Find out more.

Rewards for police

An opportunity to recognise and reward those who protect our families, our homes and our neighbourhoods with fantastic online and in-store savings. Find out more.

Travel discount

Travel for free on Northern Rail services when travelling to or from your workplace, or in connection with police duties. T&Cs apply.

Tyne and Wear Metro

Whether you are on or off duty, you’ll enjoy free travel on the Metro once you have reached Independent Patrol status.

Car lease scheme

We offer car leasing through salary sacrifice via NHS fleet solutions. As an officer, this does not effect your pension. T&Cs apply.

Ways into policing

From high-adrenaline and fast-paced work, to analytical and problem-solving positions, there’s a role that’s right for you.

Discover your path with a degree apprenticeship, graduate programme, or experience-led entry routes. Your journey into policing starts here.

999 response officer

Find out more about 999 response

An on-the-go, ‘no two days the same’ job, where you’ll respond to incidents that need your help.

Neighbourhood officer

Find out more about neighbourhood

Neighbourhood officers are problem-solvers, change-makers, and protectors at the
heart of a community.

Detective

Find out more about detectives

Our detectives thrive on the pursuit of justice, meticulously leading complex investigations to achieve the best outcomes for victims.

Take your first steps into policing

Before you apply to become a 999 response officer, detective or neighbourhood officer you’ll need to join a mandatory information event.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what working at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers.

We’ll also guide you through the different entry routes available, including the degree apprenticeship, graduate programme, and experience-led pathways — so you can choose the route that’s right for you.

Choose your preferred date below to sign up for an upcoming online Teams event.
Can’t make these sessions? We’ll be running events all year, check back for later dates.

20th August 6pm – 8pm

3rd September 6pm – 8pm